Tool Designer & CNC Programmer

Founded in 1975, with its head office in Blackburn, England, PPE operates manufacturing facilities in the UK and the US, plus sales offices and Channel Partner networks across the US, Europe and Asia.PPE manufactures high-performance O-rings and sealing components using advanced elastomer materials and precision designs that extend equipment life.Seals are critical to the function of industrial systems, and PPE’s solutions are trusted in the most demanding environments.Today, PPE offers over 200 elastomer grades used globally across industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, food and pharma manufacturing, marine and power generation, aerospace, and semiconductors.The company’s success is built on the continual development of new elastomer materials combined with exceptional levels of customer service and technical support.Job Title: Tool Designer & CNC Programmer (Turning & Milling)Location: PPE Ltd, Blackburn. Hybrid opportunities following probationEmployment Type: Full-TimeExperience Level: 5+ YearsHours: 08.30am - 17.00amSalary: £35,000.00 - £40,000.00 + annual bonus schemeAbout UsPrecision Polymer Engineering Ltd (PPE) is a leading provider of high-performance O-rings, technical rubber moldings and sealing solutions to a diverse range of industries across the world.Precision Polymer Engineering is part of the IDEX Sealing Solutions group of companies (a Unit of IDEX Corporation). com/) comprises companies that focus on precision engineered sealing solutions to support and enable equipment used in critical applications, in some of the world's most demanding environmentsJob SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Tool Designer and CNC Programmer with a strong background in SolidWorks and SolidCAM for both turning and milling operations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in designing and manufacturing mould tools, be fluent in English, and possess hands-on experience with CNC machine operation and programming.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign precision tools and moulds using SolidWorksCreate and optimise CNC programs using SolidCAM for turning and milling.Interpret and work from detailed engineering drawings and specifications.Collaborate with tooling manufacture and operations teams to ensure designs are practical and cost-effective.Troubleshoot and refine tool designs, tool use and machining processes.Maintain documentation and records of designs, revisions, and production processes.Manage workload and key stakeholdersSupport with RFQ’s, providing tooling estimates and lead timesRequired QualificationsMinimum 5 years of experience in tool design and CNC programming.Proficient in SolidWorks and SolidCAM, or similar.Strong understanding of mould tool design and manufacturing.Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings accurately, and understanding of GD&T.Experience in the continuous improvement of techniques and methods within tooling design, programming and manufacture and the application of new technologies.Experience with CNC machine operation (turning and milling).Fluent in English, both written and verbal.Preferred AttributesDegree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field, or HND equivalent.Knowledge of materials and machining processes relevant to mould tool manufacturing.Experience in using ERP systems, preferably JD EdwardsExperience with PDM systems, preferably AdeptTypical DutiesDesign & Engineering ResponsibilitiesCreate detailed 3D tool and component designs using SolidWorks.Develop complete 2D manufacturing drawings, tolerances, GD&T, BOMs, and assembly documentation.Design compression mould tooling components such as cavity blocks, cores, inserts, plates, guide systems, and ejector arrangements.Perform design and operation feasibility checks as part of a cross-functional team including parting line evaluation, shrinkage considerations, and manufacturability assessments.Review specifications, models, and technical requirements to ensure design compliance.Conduct design reviews with engineering, tooling, and industrialisation teams.Optimise tool designs for performance, durability, and ease of machining/maintenance.CAM Programming & CNC ResponsibilitiesGenerate CNC toolpaths using SolidCAM software.Select effective machining strategies for roughing, semi‑finishing, and finishing of mould surfaces.Choose appropriate tooling, cutting parameters, and work‑holding to maximise efficiency and surface quality.Support CNC machinists during setup, prove‑out, first‑article runs, and troubleshooting.Ensure all tool designs, revisions, and related documents are stored and controlled via the PDM system.Generate job cards, production orders, and material requisitions via ERP workflows.Ensure alignment between design documentation and manufacturing data across systems.Manufacturing & Production SupportProvide technical support to machinists, toolmakers, and engineering.Review and update designs based on feedback from mould trials, tool testing, or production issues.Participate in root‑cause analysis for tooling failures or dimensional issues.Assist in tool assembly, validation, and functional testing when needed.Collaborate with quality teams for CMM reports, inspection routines, and dimensional sign‑off.Continuous Improvement & General DutiesDevelop and implement best practices in tooling design and CNC programming.Evaluate new CAM strategies, cutting tools, coatings, and machining technologies.Maintain machine shop standards for safety, documentation, and workflow efficiency.Support cost‑reduction initiatives through improved design and manufacturing methods.Train team members on CAD/CAM workflows, design standards, or new technologies.Will overcome obstacles and deal with issues to ensure performance targets are hit.Decision QualityMakes good quality decisions that bring about a positive response on their particular area and are in-line with IDEX values. Decisions are usually correct especially when working more remotely on their particular shift pattern.Helps create a team culture which supports new ways of doing things.Although we can't guarantee to meet all requests for flexibility when we are recruiting, we are very open to discuss any flexible requirement or need that you may have for this role.EngineeringBusiness Unit: PPE #